The Hows To’s of Conference Room Planning

Creating a conference room plan is important. Ambience Doré is happy to help you to get started on the process of selecting and buying appropriate conference room furniture that has powerful impact, that is uniquely exciting and is forever, memorably linked to your brand. One of the most important considerations is the size of your room. The conference table’s size, it’s shape and the size of the chairs as well as any ancillary storage credenzas– must be planned according to your room’s capacity. It is very important that the room does not appear cramped or crowded and that it has an immediate stunning wow factor at first sight. Contact Mar Doré and she will be happy to co-create your vision with you step by step.

Allow 38″ to 40″ between table and back of chair to rise from chair when confined by other sitters

Allow 56″ between table and visual display board

Allow 36″ bending space to use under counter cabinets or lower shelves of bookcase

Allow 72″ between table and wall for 24″-deep storage towers and credenzas

Allow 30″ between table and back of chair to use keyboard

Allow 24″ to 30″ for standing and presenting material on wall

TV or monitor viewing recommended at 30 to 45 degrees from center of the screen.

This conference room planning guide is offered as an efficient tool that can help you get started on the process of selecting and buying your conference room furniture. There are practical size & code requirements for fitting conference furniture into a room. The most important consideration is the size of your room because the conference table’s size, its shape, the size of the chairs and any ancillary storage credenzas, must be planned according to your room’s capacity. It is very important that the room does not appear cramped or crowded.

The charts and guide lines provided here are a starting point. You must know what size table you are going to need in order to obtain accurate quotes. When you look at a photo and see 10 chairs around a table generally you’re looking at a 10’ table with four chairs on each side and one chair at the ends of the table. A quick way to find the appropriate size table is take the length of the room and subtract 10 feet. This allows 5 feet at the head of the table for walk space. If you have a 22 foot room a 12 foot table is a great fit. Yes, you can go for a larger table if you are willing to sacrifice walk way space. But remember that there are code minimums that need to be considered Not all conference tables have the same kneespace clearance and you might have to settle for fewer chairs around the table than the standard guide lines that are listed here permit.

If you are adding credenzas and storage remember that most storage is 20” or 24” deep. You must also take door swing clearances into consideration.

Size and Seating Capacity “Cheat Sheet”

Conference Table Size

Seating Capacity

Suggested Room Size

Minimum Room Size

72″ (6′) L x 48″ W

4-6

15′ 4″ x 13′ 4″

14′ x 12′

84″ (7′) L x 48″ W

4-6

16′ 4″ x 13′ 4″

15′ x 12′

96″ (8′) L x 48″ W

6-8

17′ 4″ x 13′ 4″

16′ x 12′

120″ (10′) L x 48″ W

8-10

19′ 4″ x 13′ 4″

18′ x 12′

144″ (12′) L x 48″ W

10-12

21′ 4″ x 13′ 4″

20′ x 12′

150″ (12.5′) L x 48″ W

10-12

21′ 10″ x 13′ 4″

21′ x 12′

168″ (14′) L x 48″ W

12-14

23′ 4″ x 13′ 4″

22′ x 12

120″ (10′) L x 58″ W

8-10

19′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

18′ x 12′ 10″

144″ (12′) L x 58″ W

10-12

21′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

20′ x 12′ 10″

150″ (12.5′) L x 58″ W

10-12

22′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

21′ x 12′ 10″

168″ (14′) L x 58″ W

12-14

23′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

22 x 12′ 10″

180″ (15′) L x 58″ W

12-14

24′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

23′ x 12′ 10″

192″ (16′) L x 58″ W

14-16

25′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

24′ x 12′ 10″

240″ (20′) L x 58″ W

18-20

29′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

28′ x 12′ 10″

288″ (24′) L x 58″ W

22-24

33′ 4″ x 14′ 2″

32′ x 12′ 10″

Seating Capacity: Chart suggests a range from comfortable seating to full seating.

Suggested Room Size: Allows 56″ to walk between wall and chair back, 32″ to rise from table, and 24″ to walk.

Minimum Room Size: Allows Minimum of 48″ to walk sideways between wall and chair back, 32″ to rise from table, and 16″ to pass.

Disclaimer: These guidelines are offereds for general reference purposes only; each space planning project is different and should be managed with the guidance of an experienced professional. Ambience Dore offers these services, please inquire for details. Ambience Dore assumes no liability for consequences resulting from data errors, or potential misinterpretation or misapplication of the information presented on this web site.

Pay attention to the room entrance, the windows and any columns that will impact the placement and size of table and chairs. If you have any questions make a quick sketch of your room layout, fill in the measurements and email the sketch to mar@ambiencedore.com . We’ll be happy to help you with your conference room space plan.